ISPO Bike ‘Brand New’ winners revealed

ISPO Bike has revealed the winners of its ‘Brand New’ awards, as judged by an industry jury, ahead of opening its doors on August 16th to 19th.

The Messe Munchen exhibition’s organisers this year received a record number of submissions for the awards, comign from 153 young entrepreneurs from 22 countries, representing an 86 percent increase compared to 2011.

Most of the entries originated from the USA (31 percent), followed by Germany (23 percent). The product focus is on E-Mobility and Urban Mobility, though there is also a trend towards alternative materials.

Overall Winner: ZuriThe city bikes by Zuri are made of bamboo and are genuine eye-catchers: thanks to a combination of alternative material and trendy design these bicycles distinguish themselves from the mass of steel and aluminum bikes. The unique bikes are individually manufactured according to customer specifications; they are produced in Zambia supporting the local economy. The jury was impressed by the combined package of social responsibility, high-quality production, and a superb design, and awarded the Overall Winner designation to the city bike from Munich.

Urban: PelagoThe bicycles by Pelago follow the motto “Stability, Function and Attractive Looks”, which garnered them the award in the Urban category. The stylish yet functional bikes distinguish themselves due to their classic design and great priceperformance ratio. Pelago bicycles are designed for everyday use and can be ridden in any kind of weather. The jury was particularly impressed by their quality and by the attractive price of these classic bicycles.

E-Bike/Pedelec: EegoEego offers foldable e-bikes. The folding micro e-bikes weigh as little as 9 kilograms including battery. The lightweight e-bike folds and stows in just seconds and is perfect for the urban environment. Eego folding e-bikes offer a range of 20 to 50 km and can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. The jury considered the light weight of the e-bike an exceptional feat and believes that this creates aninteresting market potential especially in metropolitan areas.

Performance: Punch CyclesPunch Cycles’ bikes impress with their balance of minimal weight and maximum comfort. The frame is stabilized by the oval shape of the lower bar, thus reinforcing the entire bicycle. The titanium bikes are available in road, mountain, touring and cyclocross bike versions. Due to their light weight and good priceperformance ratio prompted the jury to declare Punch Cycles the winner in the Performance category.

Singlespeed: UBC corenThe winner in the Singlespeed category is the lightweight bike by UBC coren. The bicycle distinguishes itself due to a high-end full carbon frame. UBC coren bikes are manufactured by hand according to individual customer specifications, and thus are guaranteed to offer a very special design.

Apparel: VespertineThe bike wear by Vespertine combines “Urban Style” with functionality. The integration of reflective inserts into an unusual design turn this bike wear into trendy safety wear. Vespertine proves that roadworthy apparel can be very attractive. The reflectors use 3M Scotchlite™, one of the most durable and most reflective materials on the market. The jury liked the bike wear with all-over reflectors, perfect for hip city dwellers, and honored it with the ISPO Brand New Award in the Apparel category.

Bike Parts: Moto BicyclesThe flat pedals with functional design by Moto Bicycles won the Bike Parts category. The wooden platform pedals are individually manufactured with an integrated pedal shaft. Grip tape in a variety of designs eliminates slippage. The jury described the Moto Bicycle platform pedals as cool, stylish, adjustable and highly functional; their inventors are scene insiders.